Diamonds or Donuts

by Lucie Ulrich

  Sarah nearly choked, and fought not to spit tea across the table. “What are you talking about?”

  “Oh, sweetheart, I know you aren’t that blind. That young man has a special smile reserved just for you. Surely you don’t believe he’s doing all that work just because you’re Pippa’s friend, do you?”

  “Why are you so matter-of-fact about this?” Sarah pushed her chair back and took their cups to the sink. “If that’s what you believe, why aren’t you bothered by the fact some guy you barely know is obviously infatuated with your engaged daughter?”

  “Because you’re not bothered by it.”

  “But I am, Mom.” She pounded her chest with her fist. “I’m upset with myself for enjoying all the attention.”

  Lorraine removed her oven mitts and cradled Sarah’s face. “Perhaps there’s a reason for that.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “Simply to leave your options open.” Lorraine kissed Sarah’s forehead, then went to the refrigerator.

  Speechless, Sarah stood there like a ninny, too stunned to move. Had she heard correctly? Was her mother suggesting Sarah think of Kevin as more than a friend?

  Lorraine poured a large bag of pre-washed romaine lettuce into a bowl before dicing a cucumber. “Fetch the cherry tomatoes, would you, honey?”

  Brain still reeling, Sarah shook her head and did what her mother requested. She placed the small basket in the sink and set about rinsing the tomatoes. “What did you mean by leaving my options open?”

  Her mother turned off the tap. “Does that really need explaining?”

  “It does when you know I’m engaged to Logan. I love him, and if not for this last-minute dig, we’d be getting married in a few months. I wouldn’t be moving, and Kevin wouldn’t even be in the picture.”

  A sweet smile brightened her mother’s face. “But the dig did come up, you are moving, and Kevin is in the picture.” She dotted the salad with the tomatoes. “I’m certainly not suggesting you throw yourself at him. Nor am I suggesting you put yourself into any situation you don’t think you should. Step away for a while if you feel that’s best, but don’t dismiss your feelings.”

  “This from the woman who’s been happily married for nearly thirty years? The same woman who wouldn’t think of looking twice at another man?”

  “Not since the day your father walked into my life and swept me off my feet.” Lorraine took the salad bowl to the refrigerator. “Despite the fact I was practically engaged to another man.”

  “What?” Sarah’s head spun. Her mother dumped another man for her father? As far back as Sarah could remember, the only man her mother ever spoke of was her dad. Not even a high school crush. “How come you never said anything about this before?”

  Her mother shrugged. “It never seemed important until now.”

  “This certainly isn’t the conversation I expected. I hope you don’t plan on mentioning any of this over dinner.”

  “Don’t be silly. I’m sure Robert and Abigail wouldn’t be the least interested in how I met your father.”

  Sarah rubbed her temples. “No, Mom, I’m talking about your thoughts where Kevin is concerned.” She should have gone for the caffeine after all. It might have thwarted the burgeoning headache. Abigail would be pushing for a decision that Sarah wasn’t ready to make, while her mother wasn’t sure who she wanted for a son-in-law. It was going to be a long night.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  A heavy rain soaked Kevin by the time he got from his car to the top step of Pippa’s apartment.

  She opened the door for him before he knocked. “I heard you pull up and was going to rush out with my umbrella, but realized I’d left it in my car.” She handed him a large towel.

  “Thanks.” He dried his hair then draped the towel over his shoulders. Inside, he kicked off his shoes and set them by the front door. “At least it’s a warm rain.”

  “Let’s sit at the table. I love you, but not enough to get my couch wet.”

  “No problem.”

  “Want something to drink?”

  “I’m good, thanks.”

  Pippa brought her glass of water to the table and sat across from him. “So, should we start with some forced small talk, or get right to the reason you asked to come over in the worst downpour we’ve had in months?”

  Snorting out a laugh, Kevin dug the note he’d read a half dozen times from his pocket. “You and small talk don’t belong in the same sentence.” He slid the note to the center of the table. “Did you know what was in it when you dropped it off with your papers last week?”

  A puzzled expression wrinkled Pippa’s forehead. “I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about.”

  “Come on, Pip. I found this mixed in with the stuff you stuck in my mailbox last Sunday.”

  She glanced at it. “I guess I can see how that might look, but I give you my word, I didn’t deliver this, nor do I have any idea what’s in it.”

  “But you know who wrote it.”

  “Sure. Sarah asked if I had a note card or writing paper, and I gave it to her. I guessed you might be the recipient, but didn’t ask.”

  “What made you think so?”

  Pippa let out a long breath. “Please don’t ask. I already told you she asked me to keep her confidence.”

  “In light of the note, I no longer think that applies.” He pulled the envelope back, retrieved the card and began to read out loud.

  Dear Kevin,

  What a wonderful friend you’ve turned out to be. I’ve never met anybody I took such a quick liking to. So much so, it scares me. I’m torn. I want us to remain friends, but I get the feeling you want more, and if I’m honest with myself, the thought flatters me more than it should.

  As much as it pains me, I feel it’s best if we keep some distance between ourselves for a while. Please don’t feel obligated to finish anything in the apartment. My folks and I will take care of things from here on out.

  Thank you for being so kind and thoughtful. I wish you every happiness.

  Sarah

  “I’m sorry, Kev.”

  “I’m not.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You were, right, Pip. She likes me.”

  Pippa folded her hands around her water glass. “Look, I know I’ve kind of been pushing you, but after Sarah and I talked, I decided to butt out. Please tell me you aren’t going to do anything to make this any harder for her.”

  “Nope. “ He stood and went to the refrigerator. “I’m going to do exactly what she asked. Sarah Alexander is going to get the distance she asked for. It’s inevitable we’ll see one another from time to time, but I intend to let her take the lead.” He pulled the fridge door open and reached in for a bottle of apple juice.

  “Then why do you have that grin on your face?”

  His stomach flipped. “Because she likes me, and we all know absence makes the heart grow fonder.”

  “Yes, but if you’ll remember, Logan is also absent from her life right now.”

  “True, but he’s a lot further away than I am. When Sarah needs a friendly face or voice, which of us will be easier to reach?”

  Crossing her arms over her chest, Pippa frowned. “What happened to the guy who had no intentions of breaking up her relationship with Logan?”

  “You’re looking at him.” Kevin popped the top of his juice and took a long swallow. “I figure if Sarah and Logan survive this long separation, then so be it.” He sat again and leaned across the table. “But Sarah has a slight dilemma.” He grinned. “She likes me.”

  ****

  Sarah opened the front door for the Montgomerys, a smile on her face. “Welcome to my parents’ home.” She leaned in to give Abigail a quick kiss on the cheek, but was blocked by a huge bouquet of flowers. Without taking offense, Sarah took a step back. “Please come in. Dinner is almost ready.”

  Robert followed his wife inside, and not only gave Sarah a kiss, but pulled her into a fatherly hug. He whispered int
o her ear. “I left my phone in the car so I’d be sure there were no unexpected phone calls.”

  Giggling, Sarah broke from the hug. “That was very thoughtful of you.”

  “What was thoughtful?” Abigail asked.

  Sarah spun around. “The flowers. They’re gorgeous.”

  Lorraine scurried from the kitchen, with Frank by her side. “So sorry, I needed Frank to pull the roast from the oven for me.” She extended her hand. “It’s lovely to see you again, Abigail.”

  “These are for you.” Abigail handed the flowers to Lorraine.

  “Oh, my, aren’t they lovely. That was very kind of you.”

  Robert stepped around his wife and extended his hand. “Hello, Frank. Nice place you have here.” Robert looked around. “It’s very homey and welcoming.”

  “Thank you. And the best part is, as of three months ago it’s completely paid for.”

  Lorraine shook her head and spoke in a loud whisper. “Honestly, Frank, you don’t have to tell everybody.”

  “Why not?” Robert patted Frank’s shoulder. “I think it’s a feat worthy of sharing.”

  “Now that Dad’s happy news is out of the way, why don’t the four of you make yourselves comfortable in the living room?” Sarah took the bouquet from her mother. “I’ll put these in water and be right back.” Her stomach churned, and she prayed her mother’s sweet nature would stand up to Abigail’s larger-than-life presence.

  Arranging the flowers as quickly as possible, Sarah set them on the sideboard in the dining room. “Can I get anyone a drink?” Her parents didn’t drink alcohol, but they knew the Montgomerys enjoyed wine with their meals. “There’s nothing stronger than the merlot I brought for dinner, if that suits you?”

  “Don’t worry about me,” Robert said. “I’ll wait for dinner.”

  “How about you, Abigail?”

  Abigail picked a piece of lint from the couch. “I suppose if Robert can wait, I can as well.”

  Frank stood. “In that case, why don’t we head into the dining room? I don’t know about the rest of you, but after a long day at the office, I’m ready to eat.”

  Robert pushed from the couch. “Lead the way. My mouth has been watering since the moment I stepped through the door.”

  Lorraine laughed. “I guess that’s my cue to get dinner on the table.”

  “Is there anything I can do to help?” Abigail asked.

  “Goodness, no. You’re our guest. Sarah and I will bring everything out, but thank you for asking.”

  The question pretty much stunned Sarah. Having been waited on since she was a child, Sarah doubted Abigail even knew how to turn on an oven. That said, Sarah appreciated the attempt.

  With the dinner served and the wine poured, Frank offered a blessing over the food and over the engaged couple. “Dig in,” he said when through.

  Robert took a bite of the meat and closed his eyes. “This is delicious, Lorraine. I’m going to see that Lupe calls you for the recipe.”

  Lorraine beamed. “Thank you, Robert. It’s Frank’s favorite. I hoped you’d enjoy it.” She turned to Abigail. “I know it’s not fancy like the food you served us when we visited your place, but it’s the cooking I grew up on.”

  “I’m sure it’ll be fine.” Abigail took a tiny bite and followed it with a swallow of her wine. She smiled Lorraine’s way. “Delicious.”

  It was doubtful Abigail would eat much, and in a way, Sarah couldn’t blame her. At least she was trying. But at the rate she drank after each tiny bite, Sarah hoped Abigail wouldn’t walk away a bit tipsy. Then again, a bit tipsy might make their talk that much easier.

  Halfway into the meal, Abigail pushed her plate aside and addressed Sarah, who sat across from her. “I want to apologize for Logan’s behavior the last time the two of you spoke. I didn’t mean to cause trouble. I simply stated that you couldn’t stay for whatever reason. When I spoke to him yesterday, he told me the two of you had a bit of a tiff. I do hope you’ve worked it out by now.”

  Heat climbed up Sarah’s neck and worked its way into her cheeks. She chugged some ice water and waited a few beats before speaking. “You spoke to Logan yesterday?”

  “Why yes. We have a standing appointment every Monday morning at eight o’clock sharp.” Abigail drained the last of her wine. “I know it’s silly, and I know Logan is a grown man, but I worry when I don’t hear, so I made him promise he’d call one day a week. He was able to make a deal with somebody or other so that he could have use of the satellite phone at that time every week.” She faced Lorraine. “You understand how I feel, don’t you, Lorraine?”

  Sarah felt like some cartoon character that had steam billowing from its ears. Logan had made it a point to tell her there was no guarantee when he might get to call, yet he’d managed to call Mommy on a regular basis?

  Lorraine placed her hand on Sarah’s arm, but faced Abigail. “One thing I’ve learned about being the mother of a grown child is that you have to let them go. Oh, I don’t mean lose contact, but in this case, with Logan and Sarah being so far apart, perhaps you might want to consider allowing Logan to call Sarah during that scheduled time. I know Sarah would gladly pass along any information. And I’m certain Logan would still keep in touch with you, though perhaps not quite as often.”

  Tears stung the back of Sarah’s eyes. She placed her hand over her mother’s in a show of affection and appreciation. Her chest felt as though it might burst, knowing Logan had chosen his mother over her. This would be something she would not let drop the next time he called—whenever that might be.

  Robert cleared his throat. “That’s what I’ve been telling you, Abigail. I know how much you love hearing Logan’s voice, but I believe Lorraine is right. It’s more important he speak with Sarah as often as possible. Don’t you agree?”

  “Then why doesn’t he?” Abigail dabbed the corner of her mouth with the linen napkin. “I don’t wish to sound cruel, Sarah, but—”

  “Stop.” Robert stood, and everybody at the table gave him their full attention. “I want you to think very carefully before you say another word, Abigail. Now, you know how much I love you, and how much I’ve given into you over the years.”

  Abigail’s cheeks flushed. “Robert, I don’t think this is the place—”

  “This is exactly the place.”

  Sarah looked to her father and mother, wondering whether or not she should say or do something. Both gave the tiniest head shake, so she waited for Robert to have his say.

  “I apologize for my outburst, but if we’re going to be family, then we need to be honest and open with one another.” He walked behind his wife’s chair and came to Sarah’s side. “This young woman has won our son’s heart.” He took Sarah’s hand. “And in so doing, she deserves all of his attention.”

  “He’s still my son.”

  “Yes, and he always will be.” Robert placed his free hand on Abigail’s shoulder. “It’s time to let go. Logan is a grown man and shouldn’t feel the need to check in with his mother at all times.”

  The color in Abigail’s face went from a rosy pink to apple red in a matter of seconds. She shrugged her husband’s hand from her shoulder and stood. “I apologize for my husband’s lack of decorum. Contrary to his beliefs I don’t feel this is something to be discussed at the moment. Thank you for opening your home to us, but I sense a migraine coming on. Sarah, we’ll speak in a day or two.”

  Sarah had no clue what to say. She stood, as did her parents, while Abigail hoofed it to the front door. “I’m so sorry,” Sarah said to her future father-in-law.

  Robert held her chin in his firm but gentle hand. “You have nothing to be sorry for. Abigail has always had more of an influence on Logan than I have, which is something I should have addressed years ago.” He kissed her cheek and released his hold. “I’ll be sure to point out to Logan how his mother left so abruptly. After all, turnabout is fair play.”

  “No. Please don’t do that. I appreciate the gesture, but there’s no sens
e making things worse than they already are. The trouble is less with Abigail than it is with Logan. The two of us will work it out.”

  Robert grinned then shook Frank’s hand. “That’s one special young lady you’ve got there.” He encased her mother’s hand between his. “The meal was excellent, Lorraine. I’m only sorry I’m not able to stay for dessert.”

  “Why don’t you let me send some with you? It’ll only take a few minutes.”

  “You’re very kind, but it’s probably best that I not keep Abigail waiting any longer. I’ll see myself out.”

  Sarah waited for Robert to close the front door before falling back into her chair. “Well, that didn’t go the way I expected.”

  Lorraine stacked the dishes. “What I wouldn’t do to be a fly buzzing around their car right now.”

  “Mom!”

  Frank chuckled and helped to clear the table. “I’m guessing it’s so cold in that car, Robert will need to turn on the heater.” He laughed all the way to the kitchen.

  “Seriously, the two of you are awful.” Sarah played with the edge of the tablecloth. “Those are my future in-laws you’re talking about.”

  “Or are they?” her mother shouted from the kitchen.

  Groaning, Sarah stood, grabbed the salt and pepper shakers and napkin holder and plunked them onto the kitchen counter. “Why don’t you like Logan?”

  “I love Logan.” Lorraine rinsed a plate and handed it to Frank, who set it in the dishwasher. “I like Robert, and despite her somewhat snooty ways, I like Abigail.”

  “Then why do you say things like what you just said?”

  “Because things aren’t what they were a few short months ago.” She turned off the water and leaned her hip on the counter. “We already talked about this, Sarah. Everything you and Logan planned is topsy-turvy. All I’m suggesting is that you keep an open mind and an open heart. If Logan is the one, then there’ll be no doubt.”

  Her father shut the dishwasher. “Is there any doubt, honey?”

  “Of course not.” Before the last word was out of her mouth, Sarah knew it was a lie, and she never lied to her parents. Well, not since she was a kid, and denied breaking the neighbor’s window. She chewed at her thumbnail. “At least not much. I just miss Logan so much. I think that’s why Kevin’s attention was so welcome.”